Kean troubled after "vicious" abuse

Beleaguered Blackburn boss Steve Kean has intimated he would not feel safe meeting with fans of the club following treatment he described as "vicious" in Tuesday night's defeat to Bolton.

A situation that has been escalating throughout the season reached its nadir at Ewood Park as Rovers were beaten 2-1 by their local rivals and fellow strugglers to drop to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League table.

Asked if he would consider meeting with the supporters, the Scot said: "I have to take direction from other people as far as health and safety and making sure if we do anything like that it's in a proper environment. At the game the other night it was pretty vicious so it would have to be in an environment where first and foremost it was safe."

Fans have complained about a perceived lack of communication from the club, but Kean insisted plans are in place to allow their grievances to be heard.

He said: "I spoke with the deputy chief executive and I think there was a plan where the directors first and foremost were going to meet with the fans. I don't know where that's at at the moment.

"I said I would be available. I've already met with the fans in my office and did a full, open podcast. I answered every single question they asked me. I'm always very open and honest with anything I'm asked."

Kean has been left increasingly isolated, with Venky's conspicuous by their absence at recent games while local MP Jack Straw and the Lancashire Telegraph have both called for the manager to go.

However, he did receive some welcome support from his fellow managers this week, with Sir Alex Ferguson, Harry Redknapp, Owen Coyle and David Moyes all condemning the situation.

Kean said: "My phone's been going hot all week with people phoning with messages saying 'Hang in there'.

"No disrespect to local MPs or local journalists or ex-players, but when you've got vastly experienced managers that are phoning up and saying under the circumstances you're doing a marvellous job, then I'll listen to them."